Sertraline+alprazolam
About
Sertraline+alprazolam belongs to the class of medications called ‘antidepressant’ used in the treatment of panic disorder with or without agoraphobia (fear of leaving one’s own home or being in open or crowded places). Panic disorder is characterized by a panic attack in which the patient experiences a sudden feeling of terror even if there is no real danger.
Sertraline+alprazolam contains Alprazolam and Sertraline. Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine. It works by increasing the activity of GABA (a chemical messenger in the brain that acts as a natural nerve-calming agent). Thereby, Sertraline+alprazolam relaxes muscles, produces a calming effect, and helps to fall asleep. Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It increases the release of the serotonin hormone in the body, which is responsible for improving mood, cognition, and memory.
You should take this medicine exactly as prescribed by the doctor. The common side-effects of Sertraline+alprazolam are nausea (feeling sick), increased appetite, restlessness, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, constipation, dry mouth, jerks or uncoordinated movements, numbing or tingling sensation, vision problems, tinnitus (ringing in ears), ejaculation failure, and fatigue (extreme tiredness). Inform your doctor immediately if any of these side-effects persist or get worse.
It is not recommended to take Sertraline+alprazolam if you are allergic to any of its contents. Do not use Sertraline+alprazolam in patients with severe liver problems, severe breathing problems, myasthenia gravis (a muscle disorder), and if you have been taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) within 2 weeks. It is not recommended for use in children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers. It should be used with caution in elderly people as dose adjustments are necessary. Do not consume alcohol as it may cause excessive drowsiness. Sertraline+alprazolam may cause drowsiness, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you are not fully alert.
Uses of Sertraline+alprazolam
Medicinal Benefits
Sertraline+alprazolam is used to treat panic disorder. It can restore the chemicals in the brain that can produce a calming effect and improve mood, energy and behavior. It also improves the overall well-being and quality-of-life of the patient. It can also help to sleep better. You should take this medicine as intended by the doctor for effective results.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Sertraline+alprazolam
- Nausea (feeling sick)
- Increased appetite
- Restlessness
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Jerks or uncoordinated movements
- Numbing or tingling sensation
- Vision problems
- Tinnitus (ringing in ears)
- Ejaculation failure
- Fatigue (extreme tiredness)
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
It is not recommended to use Sertraline+alprazolam concomitantly with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI), medicines used to treat mental illness, and opioid pain killers as it may cause serious side-effects. Before taking Sertraline+alprazolam, inform your doctor if you have mental illness, liver, lungs, or kidney problems, alcohol or drug abuse, eye problems, low sodium levels, diabetes, serotonin syndrome, and fits. Sertraline+alprazolam may cause suicidal thoughts and worsen depression or anxiety. So, it should be used with caution in patients with a history of suicidal tendencies and depression.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Sertraline+alprazolam should not be used concomitantly with monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (isocarboxazid, phenelzine, selegiline, and moclobemide), MAOI like a drug (linezolid), a medicine used to treat psychosis (pimozide), opioid pain killers (morphine, codeine, and propoxyphene), antifungal drug (ketoconazole), oral contraceptives, antibiotics (erythromycin), a medicine used to treat stomach ulcer (cimetidine), a medicine used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain (diltiazem), a medicine used to treat heart disease (digoxin), and medicine used to treat HIV (ritonavir).
Drug-Food Interactions: Do not consume alcohol as it may cause excessive drowsiness.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Sertraline+alprazolam should not be used in patients with severe liver problems, severe breathing problems, and myasthenia gravis (a muscle disorder).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeSertraline+alprazolam interacts with alcohol and increases the risk of side-effects such as drowsiness and dizziness.
Pregnancy
unsafeSertraline+alprazolam is a category C medicine. It may cause harmful effects to the unborn baby when used in pregnant women.
Breast Feeding
unsafeSertraline+alprazolam may pass into breastmilk and may cause harmful effects to the nursing baby when used in breastfeeding mothers.
Driving
unsafeSertraline+alprazolam may cause drowsiness and dizziness. So, it is recommended to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you are not fully alert.
Liver
cautionSertraline+alprazolam should be used with caution in patients with liver diseases. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionSertraline+alprazolam should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
unsafeSertraline+alprazolam is not recommended for use in children as the safety and efficacy have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a well-balanced diet.
- Avoid processed or packed foods and foods that are high in refined sugars.
- Exercise regularly.
- Lose excess weight and keep a check on your weight.
- Avoid stress.
- Improve your mood by being active, socializing with others, and talking about your feelings.
- Quit alcohol intake and smoking.
Special Advise
- Do not stop the treatment abruptly as it can cause withdrawal reactions such as stomach cramps, muscle cramps, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real), and tremors, etc.
- Sertraline+alprazolam can be habit-forming. So, do not use it for a duration more than as intended by the doctor.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Panic disorder: Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder. It is characterized by sudden panic attacks in which patients experience intense fear even if there is no real danger. During a panic attack, you get a rush of intense mental and physical symptoms. It can come on very quickly and for no apparent reason. A panic attack can be very frightening and distressing.
FAQs
Sertraline+alprazolam contains Alprazolam and Sertraline. Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine. It works by increasing the activity of a chemical messenger in the brain that produces a calming-effect. On the other hand, Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which increases the release of the serotonin hormone in the body that is responsible for improving mood, cognition and memory.
Sertraline+alprazolam may cause drowsiness, so refrain from activities that require you to stay alert such as driving or operating heavy machinery.
Sertraline+alprazolam may also treat depression. However, please consult your doctor before taking this medicine for any indication.
Sertraline+alprazolam may cause erectile dysfunction in some patients. In general, this condition improves as the body adjusts to the medicine along the course of therapy. However, consult your doctor if the condition persists.
Sertraline+alprazolam may affect blood sugar levels. So, let your doctor know that you have diabetes before using Sertraline+alprazolam.
Sertraline+alprazolam should not be used along with antidepressants such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI). You should wait for at least 14 days before taking Sertraline+alprazolam after stopping MAOI. So, it is necessary to let your doctor know about all the medicines you are taking before using Sertraline+alprazolam.
